The American cream ale is a mild, pale, light-bodied ale, made using a warm fermentation (top or bottom fermenting yeast) and cold lagering. Despite being called an ale, when being judged in competitions it is acceptable for brewers to use lager yeast.
American Cream Ale
Category: Hybrid Beers
Food Pairings
- Salads, Mild Shellfish
- Monterey Jack
- Lemon Custard Tart
Commercial Examples
- El Sully, 21st Amendment Brewery
- Spotted Cow, New Glarus Brewing Co.
- Broadway Light, Detroit Beer Co.
Appearance
Color
Straw to Gold
Clarity
Brilliant
Carbonation (Visual)
Fast Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Not Detectable to Mild
Hop
Hop aroma is usually absent, and hop flavor is very low to low. Hop bitterness is very low to low
Malt
The dominant flavor is of pale malt sweetness at medium-low to medium levels. Caramel malt attributes should be absent.
Esters
Not common to style.
Phenols
Not common to style
Fermentation By-Products
Fermentation-derived sulfur character and/or DMS flavor should be extremely low or absent from this style of beer. Diacetyl flavor should not be perceived
Sensations
Body
Soft
Carbonation
High
Finish Length
Short
Attenuation
High
Ingredients
Hops
Liberty
Malt
Pilsner
Water
Varies
Yeast
Lager or Ale
